Q: What are the steps to become a certified arborist? A: A certified arborist is someone who has passed a test administered by the International Society of Arboriculture, www.isa-arbor.com. After passing the test, a member is required to take continuing...

Q: A landscaper has told me we can safely plant new shrubs until the end of January in Atlanta. What say you? A: They’re right. It would be better to plant shrubs and trees Oct. – Dec., to take advantage...

Q: My lawn is in fair to good condition but I recently heard about pot ash and how it helps lawns to have deeper roots and better drought resistance. Is this true? A: Pot ash is more correctly spelled potash,...

Q: You wrote in one of your books that tires can be used as planters. Is this safe, with no chemicals leached into the soil? A: I shy away from using the word “safe” for any human endeavor. Walking around...

Q: Any idea where I might purchase some ‘Golden Archangels’ lamium? I saw some at the East Cobb Master Gardener’s tour of homes and it was absolutely beautiful. A: I try to look for the positive in any pest plant....

Q: I was once told by a “good ole’ boy” termite inspector that houses that had cave crickets in the crawl space never had termites. Is there any truth to this? A: University of Georgia termite expert Dan Suiter says...

Q: I’ve heard not to plant fruit trees near pine trees. Is that true? A: Unlike black walnut trees, which attack any competitor with chemicals exuded from their roots, pines are not known to deter nearby plants. Of course, any...

Q: I have two store bought yellow onions that have began to grow green shoots. Can they be planted? A: Onions grow readily in Atlanta area gardens but the ones you buy from a grocery won’t get any bigger, so...

Q: I have a thick carpet of seedlings under my hellebore plants. Should I thin them out or just let nature take its course? A: Perhaps they compete in a small way with the mother plant but I usually let...

Q: My preschool students want to know how to tell the difference between a flower and a weed. How do I explain it to 4-year-olds? A: My answer is simple: A weed is a plant that makes a gardener unhappy....

Q: I want to purchase a weeping cherry tree this spring. I know there are grafted one and ones started by seed. What’s the difference? A: Grafted weeping cherry trees maintain approximately the same height they possess when planted. Seedling...

Q: I heard you on radio tell how to grow potatoes in perlite. Can you provide a printed reference? A: It’s east to grow a perlite-filled plastic tub of Irish potatoes on a patio or deck! A large tub can hold...